Hanssen takes over as new GICC girls coach

First-year coach Dee Hanssen says she has walked into an ideal situation, taking over the Grand Island Central Catholic girls golf team for longtime coach Bob Ley.

Hanssen said she first had the inkling that she might enjoy coaching while watching coach Bob McFarland lead the GICC boys team to three consecutive state titles from 2002-2004. That Crusader squad included her son, Ben Hanssen.

Now, Dee Hanssen will get her chance to coach the Crusader girls program with Ben Hanssen serving as her assistant coach.

"I just really found a love for the sport and when Bob stepped down and decided to retire, I was really excited to get the opportunity," Dee Hanssen said. "Ben is helping me out and he's already changed a few swings and a few grips.

"They listen so well to him and we've really been working on their short games and putting and just even some of the very basics of the game like how to mark a ball."

Hanssen said there's a lot of excitement and anticipation for her and her players about the upcoming season. The Crusaders open play Thursday at the Kearney Catholic Invitational following a strong showing in preseason practices.

"We've been throwing in a lot of little putting games and competitions to try and make it fun to try and keep the girls interested," Hanssen said. "From working with Bob McFarland, Ben knows so many little drills and little games we can do, so that has been a great help and Bob said he would help whenever we need him.

"That's been really good. I have just walked into a wonderful situation."

Senior and three-year letter-winner Kylee Flaherty leads the way for the Crusaders, who return several other experienced players. Juniors Maegan Kellogg and Mikayla Northup give Central Catholic added experience and Hanssen said sophomore Michaela Ostdiek has an impressive swing and will be a player to watching over the next three years.

"I really think we show a lot of potential this year," Hanssen said. "We don't have any one single golfer who's always in the 30s or the low 40s, but as a team, I think we have the potential to put together the consistency for a good team score."

And there's plenty of room for improvement, Hanssen said, especially from the big-hitting Flaherty.

"Kylee has some of the longest drives I've ever seen a female golfer hit, but we're working with her on her putting because she has the potential to have even better scores," Hanssen said. "She's been on varsity for all four years, so I think her experience is going to help out a lot."

Senior Nicole Harrington, sophomores Nikki Kohles, Secelia Schlick, Allison Liske and Arena Govier and freshman Jessica Wiens comprise a large group that will be fighting for a spot in GICC's starting lineup.

Hanssen said she wants the Crusaders to improve each day and she also hopes her players will develop a passion for golf that lasts beyond their high school playing careers.

"I just love the game -- it's a life sport," Hanssen said. "I told the girls that this is something that you can play with about anyone at any age for the rest of your life and whether it's for business or (socially), it will help you out.”